Antarctic

American  

[ant-ahrk-tik, -ahr-tik] / æntˈɑrk tɪk, -ˈɑr tɪk /

adjective

1. Sometimes antarctic of, at, or near the South Pole.

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noun

1. the Antarctic, the continent of Antarctica along with the Southern Ocean.

Antarctic British  

/ æntˈɑːktɪk /

noun

1. Antarctica and the surrounding waters

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adjective

1. of or relating to the south polar regions

Antarctic Cultural  

1. The region around the South Pole, Antarctica, and the surrounding ocean.

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Etymology

Origin of Antarctic

First recorded in 1325–75; from Latin antarcticus, from Greek antarktikós; replacing Middle English antartik or directly from Middle French, from Medieval Latin antarticus; see ant-, Arctic

Example Sentences

There is even the possibility that surging glaciers could emerge in new areas, such as the Antarctic Peninsula.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026

In 1981, a chance meeting with Attenborough led to Allan working on the documentary series Living Planet, part of which was filmed in the Antarctic.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

A U.S. declaration could serve as a catalyst for a more coherent Western approach to Antarctic governance as the Madrid Protocol review approaches.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

For this work, researchers from AWI's Palaeoclimate Dynamics and Marine Geology divisions collaborated with international partners, including the Australian Centre of Excellence in Antarctic Science and the Antarctic Research Centre Wellington.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

On March 9, 2022, an Antarctic search team made a stunning announcement.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

• chilly
• freezing
• frosty
• frozen
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• wintry